Thousands of pounds was raised by dedicated friends and family members of Jack Fishwick who was paralysed in a rugby accident.

Jack’s former club, Wimbledon RFC, hosted a rugby sevens tournament on Saturday, July 26, which saw 700 people pass through the gates to play rugby and enjoy the atmosphere including live music and awards giving.

About £15,000 was raised in entry fees and donations to contribute to the 26-year-old’s ongoing rehabilitation after he broke his neck during a match in March this year.

Jack with Wimbledon RFC (Old Guard).

Jack, who had lived in Wimbledon for three years, remains in Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire where he is undergoing rehabilitation.

Wimbledon RFC first team skipper Chris Lewis said: “I think he had a great time.

“He saw a lot of people he hasn’t seen since the accident and there was a nice atmosphere.

“There was a live band, and people stayed until the early hours.”

Chris said Jack was on the sidelines watching the games throughout the afternoon and made a short speech at the awards presentation afterwards.

Money raised will go to the Jack Fishwick Discretionary Trust Fund.

Beckenham RFC -one of the teams that took part in the sevens tournament.

The next event will be a black tie dinner at the Harlequins’ Stoop in Twickenham on November 4. For information contact Angela Baker on angela.baker@systech-int.com.